Compliance Specialist

The Compliance Specialist investigates complaints, conducts field inspections, and enforces County codes and ordinances related to zoning, public nuisances, unsafe structures, and other compliance matters. The position works with property owners, contractors, businesses, and the public to identify violations, explain applicable requirements, and obtain voluntary compliance when possible. Responsibilities include documenting violations, issuing notices, monitoring corrective actions, maintaining enforcement records, and assisting with legal proceedings as necessary. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Development Services Director.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Investigates complaints and potential violations of County building codes and ordinances involving zoning, land use, public nuisances, junked vehicles, signage, unsafe structures, and other regulated activities;

• Conducts field inspections of residential, commercial, and vacant properties to identify and document potential code and ordinance violations;

• Reviews applicable ordinances, regulations, permits, property records, and other relevant information to determine compliance requirements;

• Documents inspection findings through photographs, written reports, case notes, and other supporting records;

• Issues courtesy notices, notices of violation, correction notices, and other enforcement documents in accordance with established procedures and authorized enforcement authority;

• Communicates with property owners, occupants, contractors, and businesses regarding identified violations, corrective actions, and compliance deadlines;

• Conducts follow-up inspections to monitor corrective actions and verify compliance with applicable codes and ordinances;

• Coordinates with the Building Official, Building Commissioner, Planning Director, and other appropriate personnel regarding violations requiring additional review, interpretation, or enforcement action;

• Assists in preparing enforcement cases, supporting documentation, and other materials for legal proceedings and provides testimony when required;

• Investigates potential zoning and land use violations, including unauthorized changes in property use, and coordinates with appropriate personnel regarding permitting and occupancy requirements;

• Posts properties and public notices associated with hearings and other regulatory proceedings, as assigned;

• Responds to citizen complaints, questions, and requests for information regarding County codes, ordinances, and enforcement procedures;

• Provides information and guidance to property owners and the public regarding applicable requirements and available corrective actions;

• Maintains accurate and organized enforcement files, inspection reports, correspondence, photographs, and other records;

• Monitors changes to applicable codes and ordinances and provides recommendations regarding enforcement procedures and practical application;

• Coordinates enforcement activities with other County departments, agencies, and appropriate regulatory authorities;

• May perform residential and commercial building inspections, as assigned, to support departmental operations;

• Documents inspection findings, identifies deficiencies, and communicates required corrective actions to contractors, property owners, and appropriate County personnel;

• Assists with other departmental activities and administrative responsibilities as needed; and

• Performs other assigned duties.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM WORK

• High school diploma or equivalent;

• Two (2) years of experience in code enforcement, zoning, property maintenance, building inspection, investigations, regulatory compliance, or a closely related field preferred;

• Or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience;

• Valid driver's license.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of County codes and ordinances related to zoning, property maintenance, public nuisances, and land use;

• Knowledge of enforcement practices, investigative procedures, and methods of documenting violations;

• Ability to interpret and apply applicable ordinances, regulations, and established enforcement procedures;

• Ability to conduct field investigations, identify potential violations, and determine appropriate corrective actions;

• Ability to gather, evaluate, and document facts, observations, and other evidence related to code violations;

• Ability to prepare accurate inspection reports, notices, correspondence, and enforcement records;

• Ability to communicate code requirements and enforcement procedures clearly and professionally to property owners, contractors, businesses, and the public;

• Ability to handle complaints, resolve conflicts, and interact effectively with individuals in difficult or confrontational situations;

• Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain objectivity, and apply enforcement requirements consistently;

• Ability to manage multiple investigations, prioritize assignments, and monitor compliance deadlines;

• Ability to use computers, permitting and enforcement software, and related office equipment;

• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing;

• Ability to work independently and coordinate effectively with supervisors, coworkers, and other departments;

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive enforcement matters appropriately;

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with County employees, property owners, contractors, and the public; and

• Ability to work outdoors and navigate properties, uneven terrain, and other locations necessary to perform field investigations.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work requires frequent walking, standing, bending, stooping, and navigating uneven terrain, developed and undeveloped properties, and other locations necessary to conduct field investigations. Duties may involve climbing stairs, accessing properties with limited accessibility, driving to inspection locations, and carrying inspection equipment. The position also requires routine office work, including computer use, documentation, and recordkeeping.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed in both office and field settings, with a significant portion of time spent conducting inspections and investigations throughout the County. Fieldwork may involve exposure to varying weather conditions, uneven terrain, dust, noise, vegetation, debris, animals, and other environmental hazards. The position requires regular interaction with property owners, contractors, and members of the public, including individuals who may be upset or uncooperative regarding enforcement matters.

BENEFITS

Exceptional full time benefits include medical, prescription, dental, vision, FSA, HSA, optional USAble, paid holidays, paid sick days, paid vacation, EAP, retirement planning, pension, employee clinic, employee discounts, and more.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were actually written out in this job description.

Blount County Government participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.